Crime Doesn't Take a Holiday

How to Stay Safe when you're away from home

Summer is upon us once more and the countdown to school holidays has begun in earnest. If you’re one of the many families heading abroad this summer, spare a moment to consider how you will keep your family and belongings safe while you’re on the move. We’ve compiled a few tips to ensure your sojourn abroad is a holiday to remember (for all the right reasons!).

Secure Your Personal Belongings

A travel lock or belt is an inexpensive way to secure your checked-in luggage once it is out of your possession. If you are travelling to the USA or Canada we recommend you purchase a Travel Sentry Approved (TSA) padlock to secure your luggage as this can be opened by security authorities to inspect your luggage, without needing to damage or break your lock.

Once you’ve reached your destination, lock your passport and valuables in the room safe, if your accommodation comes with one; if not then the hotel reception will usually have one available.

When you’re out-and-about, be mindful of pick pockets operating in popular tourist areas and on public transport. If you’re carrying a backpack, wear it on your front in crowded areas and lock the zippers with a small padlock for the times when you want to wear it normally whilst walking around.

A common concern for solo travellers is how to stay safe at night when you might be walking around an area. A personal alarm is small enough to fit in your hand or on a lanyard and emits a loud alarm when activated, helping to draw attention if you find yourself in danger.

Know Before You Go

Before you leave the home, it’s wise to seek out travel advice from your local authority. The UK government has a dedicated website full of useful advice for travellers as well as country specific advice on a variety of topics that might impact your holiday such as localised conflict, threat of terrorism and the potential for natural disasters.

Who You Gonna Call?

Do you know who to call in an emergency situation when you’re abroad? It may seem pedantic, but saving the local emergency numbers in your phone will take mere moments, and could save your life should disaster strike.

If you’re travelling within the European Union, there is only one number you need to know to access all emergency services; 112. You can use this number free of charge from a landline or mobile when you’re in one of the 27 member states of the European Union. Operators on the 112 number speak English and are able to send fire, police or ambulance services depending upon the nature of the emergency.